“Do you remember the first words you ever said to me?” “Were they ‘nice to meet you’?” “No. You skipped the formalities…You said, ‘Are you going to pick“Do you remember the first words you ever said to me?” “Were they ‘nice to meet you’?” “No. You skipped the formalities…You said, ‘Are you going to pick up that trash.?’”
There’s nothing that makes me laugh more than a bunch of “mature” senior matchmakers. The Shippers, as this group likes to be called, live aboard a cruise ship and decide to take matters into their own hands to find hostess, Lacey, a match with the ship’s director, Jon, even though she put him in the friend zone years ago.
I loved the hilarious antics often gone wrong of The Shippers, but what made this stand out was the mystery to be solved of an onboard drug ring. Dunlap brought everything together so well and even in the midst of sparks of romance, the humor, inspiration, forgiveness (in a few relationships), and intrigue found a place on the high seas and made for a very entertaining read.
I loved the characters, especially the ringleader, Emily, and there are hints of more to come.
Content: mild romance; talk of drugs; references to religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
I've never wanted to highlight pretty much the whole entire book like I wanted to with this one.
This story has everything I love and I've been waitingI've never wanted to highlight pretty much the whole entire book like I wanted to with this one.
This story has everything I love and I've been waiting for a time to savor every delicious moment, every dripping-with-chemistry interaction, and every witty word. I'm not kidding when I say I wanted to highlight all of it. Stockton knows just how to word things in clever ways that had me laughing and swooning through every single page.
Can we talk about Jack and Lauren for a minute? For very good reasons, their blind date two years ago didn't work out and a fierce hatred for one another developed. Now on a cruise for his best friend and her sister (and only family), they strike up a sudden, mutually beneficial (and very much appreciated) fake relationship with a bonus bargain, and I couldn't get enough of it. This reverse grumpy sunshine (he's the sunshine and she's the serious grump) delivered many great moments of learning to go with the flow, let the hair down, and think of the bigger picture.
"Jack stepped a little close, making his cologne fly up my nose against my will. It had a weird effect of calming me and grating at me at the same time. Stupid, hot, nice-smelling man who wanted to share my room and my personal space." Jack was absolute persistent perfection. Who could resist him?? Lauren, all work driven and spreadsheet obsessed, wasn't immune (and truth be told, I wasn't either). These characters--oh, how I LOVE and ADORE them!
I loved the character development and the twists this story took. In fact, Love on Deck is a solid contender for favorite book of the year! And the best part? It's Book 1 of a new series!
Content: mild+ romance (kissing, shared room)
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
From the first bucket list to the last page, this story was pure entertainment!
Rachelle and Landon dated forever, and even got engaged, before their rFrom the first bucket list to the last page, this story was pure entertainment!
Rachelle and Landon dated forever, and even got engaged, before their relationship crashed and burned. Now, stuck on a cruise together, hearts just might change...
Ever the careful and over-planner, I thought the breakup was good for Rachelle to have a chance to find herself and grow a backbone. Although the reader doesn't see a lot of the growth, we are privy to some of her changes and it was heartening to watch her bravery and confidence shine through her insecurities.
I liked Landon and enjoyed watching him figure out what he wanted and how to get it.
Firefighter Brooks and spunky Puerto Rican Gabriela have had a couple of meetings over the years due to mutual friends, but a cruise in the Caribbean Firefighter Brooks and spunky Puerto Rican Gabriela have had a couple of meetings over the years due to mutual friends, but a cruise in the Caribbean leads to a chemistry laden vacation romance that was as hot as the sizzling tropical sun.
I loved Gabriela's saucy personality, as it was the perfect complement to Brooks and his heroism and stability. Of course, if both parties are in agreement, a fling is just what is needed to spice things up in life and it was so much fun to watch the sparks fly and see the antics that resulted from the spontaneity of this trip to celebrate the wedding of one of the seniors in the small town of Bordeaux, OH. From forced proximity to jail to meeting big,loud families to shipmates who can't catch a break to swoon galore, this fun dual POV story hit the spot.
The cast of characters wasn't as present as they are in some of the other books, but I loved the interactions of this tight-knit friend group, as well as the quirky seniors (and relatives). It was fun to see the camaraderie and encouragement they each showed for one another.
It was a blast to sail away into the sunset with this wonderfully sweet romance.
Content: mild+ romance (lots of touching/kissing--closed door)...more
Blakely and Corbin are about as opposite as you can get--a college professor and a MMA fighter--yet, in matters of the heart, they're like two peas inBlakely and Corbin are about as opposite as you can get--a college professor and a MMA fighter--yet, in matters of the heart, they're like two peas in a pod.
In an effort to get Blakely away from her on-again-off-again boyfriend, she is whisked away on an unexpected cruise where she immediately meets Corbin. And has no idea who he is. Their meet cute gave me some secondhand embarrassment, but that quickly settled into flames of attraction, zingy dialogue, and a whirlwind of both fun and danger.
I enjoyed the give and take of this relationship and the way they each had to come to terms with the other's issues, resulting in a realistic conflict. Blakely and Corbin are great characters and the compromise of their different backgrounds and identities was entertaining.
A very amusing story and a fun inclusion to the Good Girls Don't Come Last series.
Content: some mild fighting (nothing graphic); mild+ romance; very mild religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
I miss traveling right now and I loved slipping between the pages to explore a ritzy resort in Puerto Rico, followed Reading it felt like a vacation!
I miss traveling right now and I loved slipping between the pages to explore a ritzy resort in Puerto Rico, followed by a dreamy cruise in the Caribbean. This story had me wanting to swing in a hammock while drinking a virgin tropical delight with the ocean waves setting turned up loud on my sound machine.
Joshua is a man on a mission and I loved the ways he went incognito to investigate a mysterious embezzlement with his company. Each facet of his personality were illustrated in the characters he portrayed and it was such a fun way for Jade to get to know him, even if it wasn't exactly honest. I loved Jade's playful and adventurous spirit, especially as she pushed herself to try new things and allowed herself to truly feel.
While this book is full of attraction from the very first time eyes were laid on one another, the tension burned as hot as the noon-day sun in summertime, and the elements of mystery (with undertones of danger) were a perfect companion to the romance and true to this author's style. What a fun escape!
Content: mild moments of peril/danger; very mild religion; mild+ romance (innuendo, kissing)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
I've only been on one cruise before, but thankfully, it wasn't as eventful as this one was for Caitlyn. I was cringing, lauCruisin' along towards love
I've only been on one cruise before, but thankfully, it wasn't as eventful as this one was for Caitlyn. I was cringing, laughing, and deeply sympathizing with this poor girl, as she awkwardly stumbled her way through a ton of personal growth, while trying to make the best of her life-long dream of seeing Alaska.
Caitlyn is the type of character who doesn't dare take any chances and has no self-confidence. She's not living--she just merely exists--but this cruise is exactly what she needs to rely on herself and overcome her life challenges and fears. The vulnerability of her character gave me an affinity for her and an extensive pity for her situation. I even had a dream while reading this that I was on a cruise and in her position and it was quite embarrassing.
As this story has a definite romantic comedy vibe, I wanted a tad more romance throughout, but all parties keep a tight grasp on their feelings, for good, yet vastly different reasons. Greg exudes confidence, but he has his own demons to battle and he's very disciplined in his actions, if nothing else. I craved the budding blooms of romance and wanted more. There were also a few times when the points-of-view shifted in an uncomfortable and unclear way, almost repeating sections, but from the opposite view.
All in all, this was a fun, easy read that entertained. Campbell does a good job of portraying accurate feelings and character development that played on my emotions and allowed me a contented escape.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
Undercover Honeymoon is such a hilarious and fun story, even in the midst of some pretty terrifying danger. Jack is a character who is easy to relate Undercover Honeymoon is such a hilarious and fun story, even in the midst of some pretty terrifying danger. Jack is a character who is easy to relate to. Not only is she slightly clumsy, speaks her mind, and has a charming, witty personality, but she's also fairly dramatic and highly suspicious, often jumping to conclusions that land her in heaps of trouble. She has a knack for finding herself in trouble, yet her quirky self shines.
I love that Jack and Damon are finally getting married and starting their happily ever after, but of course, sailing off on a dream honeymoon cruise isn't all it seems to be. I was constantly smiling and laughing out loud, but a part of me could feel the subtle terror mounting and wanted to warn Jack.
The humor, adventure, danger, and romance are all wrapped up in a perfect package of tropical secrets. I enjoyed it all and would highly recommend reading A Date with Danger and Mormon Girl Incognito first.
Content: mild romance; mild violence/moments of peril; mild-moderate elements of religion (not preachy, but pretty detailed to a specific religion)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
I went on my first cruise just over a year ago and I'm sooo happy to report that nothing like this happened to me. Phew! Matayo drew me right into thiI went on my first cruise just over a year ago and I'm sooo happy to report that nothing like this happened to me. Phew! Matayo drew me right into this story, evoking emotions I wasn't expecting to feel and delivering a powerful escape with exactly the right amount of romance, adventure, and fear.
Dillon has a big, caring (almost too much) family, and her mother especially is determined to see her married off. This family cruise gets to be too much and Dillon goes off by herself for a little excursion. Luckily for her, her cousin's best friend, Liam, jumps in the boat at the last second and they find themselves lost at sea.
I honestly can't imagine the terror, the intense sun, and the unknowns that Dillon and Liam experienced and I had to keep reminding myself--this is fiction. I loved the way they worked together to survive and especially the way they were both able to explore their tentative feelings with the influences of well-meaning family and friends. But yikes!
Amy Matayo is the type of author who somehow manages to completely transport me from the comforts of my couch to a whole new world, all through her ingenious words, descriptions, and characters. I was knocked flat out with the world's nastiest cold while reading this, yet for a few hours, I was drifting in the tropical sea, being burnt to a crisp by the glorious sun, and getting to know a deliciously handsome man. Maybe it's time to get working on that bikini body...
Content: mild romance (swoony); mild moments of danger/peril; mild+ language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
(9/21) I just listened to this for my upcoming book club. This author has such a great formula to her mysteries. There are several shady characters, o(9/21) I just listened to this for my upcoming book club. This author has such a great formula to her mysteries. There are several shady characters, or people with motives, and I'm always left guessing.
***
(8/17) Mary Higgins Clark always writes a mystery that leaves me guessing and changing my mind about who did it throughout the book. In fact, her books make me realize that I wouldn't be a good detective at all! This story is a little different in that it takes place on a cruise ship and with jewel thieves, murderers, and more mayhem about, the passengers are in for the trip of a lifetime...if they can survive.
There are a lot of shady characters roaming this ship and I honestly didn't trust any of them, excepting Alvirah and Willy Meehan because they've made numerous appearances before. I love it when I can try and figure things out, even when I'm proven wrong, right along with the characters.
This story is typical for the author--fun, entertaining, and mysterious, but nothing that completely wowed me.
(3.5 Stars) The story begins with a losing win for Joni in a critical college softball game and that seems to be a theme throughout this coming of age(3.5 Stars) The story begins with a losing win for Joni in a critical college softball game and that seems to be a theme throughout this coming of age story. Joni immerses herself in school and sports, while distancing herself from her family. Joni comes across as very mature, but she's still growing up. The party scene, hook ups, drama, and outward appearances aren't her thing and her friends are always urging her to find her thing. Life as she knows it changes completely when her brother suddenly dies. A big trip that he had planned falls into her lap and at the spur of the moment, she goes in his place--a trip that changes her whole life and helps her find her groove.
Captain Reid is young, good looking, and full of wisdom from his vast life experiences in such a short existence. The handful of people on board are very unique, different, and there for their own reasons, which are gradually made known. This unlikely crew forms a bond through their good times and trials and that bond wrapped itself around my heart. We have an interracial couple, two old timer Korean war vets who are very salty and crude, yet like big teddy bears, a young teen who is trying to figure herself out, and Joni and the captain. Each person brings something to the story through their personalities and lessons learned and contributes a lot to Joni's overall growth.
I really enjoyed the setting--a cruise from Maine to Norway--and everything that happens in between. I grew to like the characters a lot and loved watching friendships form. The ending is full of twists that had my emotions on a roller coaster, leaving me unsure how to feel. Great story by this husband-wife duo!
Of course, I wish there was less language and innuendo, but with the types of characters involved, those things made it more realistic. It wouldn't have been the same story without those elements.
Content: moderate language (a few words used a lot--not the offensive one); mild violence/moments of peril; moderate romantic elements (non descriptive talk of hook ups, 2-3 non-descriptive scenes involving no clothes, kissing/making out, hinting at same sex attraction). Technically clean, especially for the genre (new adult).
**I received a copy from Loving the Book tour group in exchange for an honest review** ...more
(3.5 Stars) I've read a fair amount of this author's works and I love that he continues to branch out with his plots. This story mostly takes place on(3.5 Stars) I've read a fair amount of this author's works and I love that he continues to branch out with his plots. This story mostly takes place on a cruise ship and the main character, Trey, is a British guy who lives in Australia. His parents are both famous artists, although his mother was murdered in a robbery when he was young. He vows to find the killer and is fortunate enough to find some clues in the stagnant mystery aboard this art cruise.
Trey is very resourceful and is able to piece things together in a realistic timeline. He's a nice guy and is very protective of those whom he cares for. I liked his perseverance--he's definitely not a quitter. I love how his edges soften when he meets Ariah. Ariah is such a sweet and caring girl and when she gets spooked by the men in the cabin next door, Trey steps in as a protector and comfort. I enjoyed the easy relationship the two of them form, although I would have liked to see it unfold with a little more dialogue between the them, instead of being told that it did. It was still very comfortable.
There are many twists and turns, including murder, and things get a little crazy at times, with so many suspicious characters. I love the way it was all tied up together in the end. This is a good read for those who enjoy a murder mystery without all of the gore.
Content: squeaky clean romance; no language; murder and mild violence--not graphic; mild religious elements--not preachy. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*...more
I was left feeling very emotional after David's Song and wasn't sure what was going to happen. If you haven't read that one, be sure to read it first!I was left feeling very emotional after David's Song and wasn't sure what was going to happen. If you haven't read that one, be sure to read it first!
Jeremy and Annie's marriage is very fragile after the events that happened in David's Song. I really enjoyed the flow of the story and the way they figured things out and resolved their issues. Jeremy is a great guy--one who really does think of Annie and her happiness. He seems a little insecure and the promise he extracts from Annie proves exactly that.
Annie made a big decision at the end of the first book and what I love about her is that once her mind is made up, she will be whatever it takes to push through and find happiness in her situation. Of course, it takes a lot of hard work, but I love that tenacity. Annie is stubborn in some ways, which was very frustrating to me.
I thought this book would wrap things up, but it left things open for more. I love the new characters that were introduced and getting to know the characters I knew before in a deeper way. I have to find out how it will all end! As before, I think this author has a fabulous way of weaving a story, while evoking strong emotions.
Content: Clean romance (implied relations between a married couple with no descriptions, kissing); no language or violence; Mild religious elements--brief talks of prayer, church, LDS missions--no descriptions)
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*...more
**UPDATED REVIEW** I've never been on a cruise ship (yet), but this has me wanting to go! Megan's heart was shattered and in an effort to help a friend**UPDATED REVIEW** I've never been on a cruise ship (yet), but this has me wanting to go! Megan's heart was shattered and in an effort to help a friend out and to try and move on, she gets a job as an entertainer (singing and dancing) on the ship. As hard as she tries not to fall for Bryant, the star of the show, she just can't quite help herself, but she's got some serious baggage.
I've never been hurt to the extent that Megan was, but I really wanted to her recognize that Jackson the Jerk gave her signs and warnings that he wasn't what he seemed to be and Bryant didn't. If I were Bryant, I would've hit the highway after being shunned several times, yet that man is persistent and patient! It's easy to say, "Just get over it!" but it's another thing to actually move on. I wish that Megan could have had a better relationship with her mother, in a way that she could talk things out. Therapy could have been beneficial too.
I love the characters and the friendships that are formed during this time. The camaraderie is so much fun, especially when they really have to pull together. There are some quirky characters, who really add an added element to the story line. I also enjoy it when characters have big decisions to make, ones that really affect their futures and seeing their actions play out is always enjoyable. I loved the setting, although only about half of the story takes place on the ship. I loved Jamaica and seeing these characters in their true elements back at home. I always enjoy a fun, contemporary romance and this was a great escape.
Content: mild romance (talk of cheating, kissing). Clean!! *I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
(7/12) A fun summer-time story about a recent college grad, Megan. Megan has just been burned in the romance department--big time--and is trying to figure out what to do with her life, now that she's out of college. She's just floating along, working a dead-end job, and trying to nurse her broken heart. Her roommate convinces her to come and work on a cruise ship with her as a performer (singing and dancing). She immediately notices the star of the group--Bryant--and as hard as she tries not to be, she is attracted to him.
I loved the cruise ship (and Jamaica) setting. I liked how real Bryant seemed to be and how persistent, yet patient, he was. The last third or so of the book took place on land and had a different feel to it. Megan was really struggling, as was Bryant. It was a little heavier, but was still good and I enjoyed it.
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